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DEAR PULP PEOPLE EVERYWHERE,
WE ARE NOW AT THE MID-POINT OF THE DECADE, THE FULCRUM UPON WHICH THE 90's BALANCE BEFORE TIPPING OVER TOWARDS THE YEAR 2000, TOWARDS THE NEW MILLENNIUM. I BELIEVE THAT THIS YEAR WILL BE ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT FOR ALL OF US, THAT THE EVENTS & OCCURRENCES OF THIS YEAR WILL REVEAL THE PATHS OUR LIVES WILL TAKE FOR MANY YEARS TO COME. SO PLEASE, EVERYONE, BE ESPECIALLY CAREFUL & VIGILANT. YOU MADE 1994 SO PLEASURABLE FOR US SO PLEASE BE SAFE 'COS I WORRY ABOUT YOU SOMETIMES.
THE PORTENTS FOR 1995 ? WELL, FROM HERE IT LOOKS GOOD - THE ROADWORKS HAVE FINISHED, TEA HAS BEEN SCIENTIFICALLY ENDORSED AS A HEALTH AID & THERE'S EVEN A NEW ISSUE OF "DISCO-VERY" ON THE WAY - IT'S OFFICIAL.
SO, MY BEST WISHES TO YOU ONE & ALL. WE'LL DO OUR BEST TO KEEP YOU ENTERTAINED.
... & REMEMBER - STAY ALIVE IN '95.LOVE,
JARVIS.
February 1995
Welcome to the all new Pulp People newsletter, I hope it's an improvement. This issue comes complete with two free gifts - a new issue of DISCO-VERY that has been long promised, and by way of an apology for the delay, you also get the first issue of the PULP SCRAPBOOK. This volume covers the years 1980-1992 and includes every piece of Pulp press I could lay my hands on. (If you have a copy of something I've missed then please do send me a photocopy.) More issues are planned, so please let us know what you think of it. I'm sorry DISCO-VERY has taken so long, there's really no adequate excuse, but here it is now and we want you to enjoy it. It includes the often requested lyrics to "Separations", Jarvis' original sleeve notes for "Masters Of The Universe" that Fire refused to print, an updated history & discography, and a complete listing of recording sessions, tv & radio appearances, plus some other fun stuff. I really don't think there'll be another issue after this, I'm wanting to expand the newsletter so it becomes more of a small fanzine in itself. The newsletter will now appear regularly every 2 months and we welcome your contributions. With each edition we'll give away 2 prize parcels at random and there'll be other competitions and give-aways too. There'll be song lyrics that haven't been printed so far (this time it's "Deep Fried In Kelvin"), photos and all the news we have to give. We've been away for a while but we're coming back at you big stylee
love from your president,
Mark x
CHRISTMAS SHOW ALMOST BROUGHT THE HOUSE DOWN !
The Pulp Xmas concert at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane could have ended in tears - the over excited youngsters dancing upstairs were gyrating so wildy that cracks were appearing in the balcony structure. The theatre managers were wanting to stop the show before the end of the set but we managed to pursuade them to let us keep going through two encores.
The evening began with a new band called, for that night at least, Vittorian Amastronaut (they were previously called Tomorrow's People Today). They had some technical troubles but I thought they were great and you should go see or hear them if you get a chance. Next was "The Black Tower", a film by John Smith, the respected English independent film-maker who taught Jarvis at St Martin's College. Menswear followed, proving to everyone that they're not just pretty faces (though that counts for a lot !), and that the hype is not entirely groundless, but based on some good songs, style and panache.
After an intermission, the curtains were raised to reveal Pulp, who opened with two old songs -"Love Is Blind" and "Death Comes To Town" - followed by, oh you know, a string of hits and favourites, and one entirely new song called "We Can Dance Again". There were a few moments of tension as Jarvis performed precariously on the specially constructed staircase, but there were no disasters and everyone left with smiling faces.
JIVING pop music fans have left their mark at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane: a large crack in the Grand Circle gallery.
On Sunday the theatre was used for a concert by Pulp, a post-modern group. Taking their lead from Jarvis Cocker, the band's bean pole of a lead singer, the audience began to jump up and down. The gallery started to bounce, and people underneath looked worried. After words from the management, Cocker instructed his fans above to cool it, but cracks were later found.
The management was horrified: for months they had prepared for last night's record-breaking 2,282nd performance of Miss Saigoin. After techincal inspection yesterday it was decided to go on with the musical.
"These balconies are supposed to move," claimed the theatre. Cocker, a master of the Larry Grayson pout, said: "It is always good to bring the house down, but perhaps not so literally." An aide added: "Stopping Miss Saigon would have been a great coup for taste."
(Reprinted from the Daily Telegraph, 19/12/94)
New Recordings
As I write, the band are in the studio recording two new songs that have already become live favourites. "Common People" will hopefully be a single in the spring, and the other song is "Underwear" which should appear on the next album. The recordings are being produced by Chris Thomas, who whilst being responsible for some early Roxy Music and Sex Pistols, has also produced loads of Pretenders, INXS and Elton John ! More session are planned soon and we're hoping to have a new LP ready for summer.
SOUND CITY '95
Pulp have been asked to headline the last day of Sound City '95. It seems to becoming a regular thing for us, as we've played the last two years in Sheffield and Glasgow. The city this time is Bristol and the date is Friday 21st April. It's not yet 100% we'll be there, but we hope we will. The whole show will be broadcast by BBC Radio 1FM.
NME SINGLES OF THE WEEK LP
Pulp completists can get another copy of the regular version of "Do You Remember The First Time ?" on a new compilation album. It's called "NME Singles Of The Week 1994" and is available from Ablex Audio Video, Harcourt, Halesfield 14, Telford, TF7 4QR, priced £4.99 (Cassette) or £5.99 (CD). For some reason the offer is only open to UK residents.
SOAP OPERA GOSSIP
"Coronation Street" led the way (as usual !) by being the first to feature Pulp by playing "Lipgloss" on the radio in the hairdresser's, but more recently there's been short mentions on "Brookside" and "Emmerdale Farm". A "Brookside" set included the "His 'n' Hers" poster given away with Select magazine, whilst in "Emmerdale Farm" one of the characters talked about going to a Pulp concert at Leeds University ! (Does anyone have a video of this ?)
Did you see... The great Pulp article and discography in the December issue of Record Collector magazine ? Order a copy direct by sending a UK cheque or PO, or an IRC, for £3.50 (UK) or £4.20 (Europe) to Magazine Editor, Record Collector, 45 St Mary's Road, Ealing, London, W5 5RQ.
LIVE PULP CD - "FICTION ROMANCE"
(Kiss The Stone KTS 371)This is an unofficial release coming out of Italy, as there are different copyright laws in some European countries so companies can do this kind of thing without consulting the bands or record labels. So, it's a bootleg when all's said and done, and whilst we don't want to be seen as advocating this kind of activity, this particular one is very good quality and we thought you'd want to know about it. The recording is taken from BBC Radio One's broadcast of the Aston Villa Leisure Centre concert last October. The packaging is ace with some great pictures and they've really taken time to create some good graphics. The full track-listing is O.U. [not She's A Lady as shown on the cover] / Lipgloss / Razzmatazz / Underwear / His 'n' Hers / Common People / Joyriders / Do You Remember The First Time ? / Babies. You'll be able pick up copies at record fairs and the like for around £13. Alternatively, it is available direct by mail-order. The price is £12, $22 or 25,000 Italian Lire. Postage to Europe is £2.30 or 5,500 Italian Lire. Postage to USA and Japan is $4.50. Payments can be made by credit card, cash or IMO. (No personal cheques). Send your name and address (with payment or credit card details) to CD Music Co., Via Canaletto, 18-47046 Misano Adriatico (FO), Italy.
Did you see... Jarvis on the front cover of the Observer's "Life" magazine on Sunday 18th of December ? There were big colour photos (not very flattering) and an interview. The lead line on the cover was "This pop star is 6'4" and built like a fishing pole, yet women still fancy him" !
PULPITATIONS - USA FANZINE
The first independent Pulp fanzine is up & running, and everyone's surprised that it's started out of the USA. Sarah Stuart in Rhode Island is one step ahead of fans in England and France and has already published two issues of her magazine, and says a third is almost ready to go. Write to her at PULPitations, [...], for details on how you can get your copy (send an A4 SAE or IRCs please).
FANZINES
People often write and ask us for addresses of fanzines that include Pulp articles, so from now on we'll pass on details of any we hear about. (Please let us know those we've missed.)
Suicidal Lemons - Send SAE to Luan, [...].
Styloroc: Sex Fanzine - Send £1 & A4 SAE to Zoe, [...].
The Drift Of No Wonder - Send SAE to Andrew & Nigel, [...].
All About D - Send 50p & SAE to Dee, [...].
Oh Yeah! - Send £1 & SAE to Fiona, Jenny & Cassie, [...].
Romp - Send £1 & SAE to Claire, [...].
ASK DR PULP
A new regular feature in which you, the fans, get to ask Dr Pulp the questions no-one else ever dared or cared to in the past. Send your questions now - there's a prize for the best one in each issue.
Tell me, Dr Pulp, what is Jarvis saying at the start of "She's A Lady" on His 'n' Hers ?
Jarvis is talking about a dream he had where he came out of a tube station and there were big metal daffodils piping out ambient Chinese music. He can remember thinking "I wish Mark was here now 'cos he would really like it" !Tell me, Dr Pulp, are there any plans to release the film of "Do You Remember The First Time ?" on video ?
Ah, well there are no plans for this at the moment, but it's quite likely that it will be released some time in the future. Meanwhile, a Russian television station are planning to broadcast the film with Russian subtitles !Tell me, Dr Pulp, how far is the earth from the moon ?
Any self-respecting Pulp Person should know that the moon revolves around the earth at a mean distance of 384,400 kilometres. Ask me a difficult one.
EATING OUT WITH RUSSELL !
Set menu for four at
THE HAPPY RAT CHINESE RESTAURANTThree Entrail Soup
Tripes in Ginger
Braised Pigs Balls in Cream of Sum Yung Man
Delicious Boiled Octopus Lung
Ducks Wed in Black Bean Sauce
Fukein Eel
Crows Feet with Plum
Retching Toad Szechuan Style
Lucky Sausage in Wan King SauceBE A WINNER
In an uncharacteristic display of generosity, we are going to be giving out prizes willy-nilly from now on, and I'm the girl to do it. With each issue of the newsletter, two lucky Pulp People will be chosen at random and sent special prize parcels, including CD's, records, photos, etc. This issue's winners are Lisa Hanley from Hull and Baptiste Piegay from Paris. Remember, these are absolutely completely random and no bribes will be accepted under any circumstances whatsoever.
Also, I will be awarding similarly unique prizes in the new feature "Alex's Star Letters". I know a lot of you make a real effort when it comes to letters so it's a pretty hard choice for me, but the first two winners are Momtaz from Enfield, and Fanny from Cardiff, both of whom are top star girls and will receive special treats from the postman very soon.
I have a few t-shirts left for mail-order, and they can be your for only £10. There are - white "His 'n' Hers", short sleeves, "hers" on back, small size only - white "PULP", "his" or "hers" on back (XL), no back print (S or M).
When you're writing, don't forget that our postcode has changed - it's now S10 1YQ. That's all for now.
love,
Alex xxP.S. Jarvis has asked me to say a special thank you to Katie, Kirstie, Vicky & Katy for the letters they wrote to him.
DEEP FRIED IN KELVIN
Oh children of the future... conceived in the toilets of Meadowhall to be raised on cheap corn snacks & garage food ... rolling empty cans down the stairwell. Don't you love that sound ? Like the thoughts of a bad social worker rattling round his head, trying to remember what he learned in training college. "Mester said you wasn't allowed in here so why don't you get lost ?" And if you're good when you grow up maybe you can live on Kelvin. Yeah, you can live in Kelvin & promenade the concrete walkways where pigeons go to die.
A woman on the 14th floor noticed that her ceiling was bulging as if under a great weight. When the council investigated they discovered that the man in the flat above had transported a large quantity of soil into his living room in which several plants he had stolen from a local park were growing. When questioned, the man said that all he wanted was a garden.
Oh God, I think the future has been deep fried ... Deep Fried In Kelvin & now it's rotting behind the remains of a stolen motorbike. "I never touched it, honest, but there was nothing else to do."
We don't need your sad attempts at social conscience based on taxi rides home at night from exhibition openings. We just want your car radio & bass reflex speakers. Now.
Suffer little children to come unto me & I will tend their adventure playgrounds with splinters & cigarette burns & feed them fizzy orange & chips, that they may grow up straight & tall... that they may grow up to live on Kelvin.
Oh yeah, we can have ghettos too, only we use air rifles instead of machine guns. Stitch that. And we drink Diamond White.
In the end, the question you have to ask yourself is -
"Are you talking to me, or are you chewing a brick ?"
(Either way, you lose your teeth)
PEN PALS & ADS
We've expanded the Pen Pals section to include personal ads for swapping Pulp things & whatever else you want. If you'd like to be included in next time's list then write to the usual address.
WANTS & SWOPS
- Alasdair [...]. Wants videos of Pop Quiz, TOTP & Alexandra Palace.
- Sandra & Melanie [...]. Want a video of Le Cercle De Minuit & Pen Pals for more exchanges of tapes, photos & press.
- Kate [...] . Wants Cherry Red It CD & My Legendary Girlfriend 12".
- Peter [...]. Wants tape of whole Reading set & other Pulp audios and videos.
PEN PALS
- Simon [...] (Looking for someone aged 16-20 who lives in London that he can go to concerts with. Likes Pulp, Blur, Oasis, Elastica etc.)
- Momtaz [...] (Aged 13, Momtaz must be the youngest Pulp Person !)
- Caroline [...]
- Anne [...] (Wants English or German pen pals.)
- Lindsey [...] (Wants groovy males from anywhere & everywhere !)
- Sonia [...]
- Maud [...] (Wants English boys & Girls in London.)
- Timothy [...] (Refuses to write to anyone who associates Kylie with music and Australia !)
MERCURY MUSIC PRIZE AWARD
If "His 'n' Hers" had won the Mercury Music Prize Award, what would have been Jarvis' speech ? Our spies managed to recover a copy of Jarvis' notes that he made just in case the unexpected happened. (Send your psychological reports to the usual address)
